1 . Researchers from University of Southern California (USC) may have found the biggest influencer in the spread of fake news: social platforms’ structure of rewarding users for habitually sharing information. The study involved 2,476 active Facebook users ranging in age from 18 to 89. They were asked to complete a decision-making survey about seven minutes long.

Surprisingly, the researchers found that users’ social media habits are closely related to the amount of fake news they shared. Frequent and habitual users spread six times more fake news than occasional or new users. Just 15% of the most habitual news sharers in the research were responsible for spreading about 30% to 40% of the fake news. Users’ habits were more influential in sharing fake news than other factors, including lack of critical reasoning.

The research team wondered: What motivates these users? As it turns out, much like any video game, social media has a reward system that encourages users to stay on their accounts and keep posting and sharing.

Users who post and share frequently, especially eye-catching information, are likely to attract attention. Due to the reward system of social media, users form habits of sharing information that gets recognition from others automatically, without considering consequences such as spreading misinformation.

Then, the team tested whether social media reward structures could be designed to promote sharing of true over false information. They found that incentives (鼓励) for accuracy rather than popularity doubled the amount of accurate news that users share on social platforms.

“We know from previous research that some people don’t process information critically, which influences their ability to recognize false stories online,” said Gizem Ceylan, who led the team. “However, our new study shows that the reward structure of social media platforms plays a bigger role when it comes to misinformation spread.”

1. What does the USC research mainly focus on concerning social media?

A．Its reward system.	B．The users’ age group.
C．Its attraction to users.	D．The reason fake news spreads on it.

2. Who is more likely to share false information on Facebook?

A．A new user.	B．A heavy user.
C．An occasional user.	D．An uneducated user.

3. What contributes to the habits of social media users?

A．The popularity of their posts.

B．The easy access to information.

C．The encouragement from other users.

D．The immediate money reward from the platform.

4. Which statement will Gizem Ceylan probably agree with?

A．Sharing of misinformation is unavoidable.

B．People shouldn’t use social media frequently.

C．Lack of critical reasoning is a common problem.

D．Social media reward structures should be improved.

3 . “Don’t be a victim.” That’s a phrase you’ll hear a lot if you take a crime-prevention class. Basically, it means that there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that you’ll be mugged, assaulted, or otherwise attacked. Don’t wave your cash around like you’re a billionaire. Don’t be distracted on the subway. Walk with a purpose.

That last one is particularly important, because according to a new study from the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, some criminals are very good at sensing weakness based on the way you walk. Actually, serial killer Ted Bundy admitted in a personal interview in 1985 that “he could tell a victim by the way she walked down the street, the tilt of her head, the manner in which she carried herself, etc…” Unfortunately, research demonstrated the reality that criminals do in fact look for, or at least notice certain characters when selecting potential victims. While nothing excuses crime, knowledge is power in the sense that there are things we can do to protect ourselves when we are out alone.

In the report titled “Psychopathy and Victim Selection” the researchers surveyed 47 criminals at a maximum-security prison in Ontario and found that social predators are very good at picking victims based on their posture and gait(步伐). They noted that people might be releasing vulnerability to criminals through their postures, gestures, and exaggerated movements.

The researchers secretly filmed 12 people walking — eight women and four men, some of whom had been attacked before. Then, they showed the video to a group of criminals and asked them whether or not each person would make a good victim. These “victim ratings” were then compared against each person’s actual history of victimization. Sure enough, the people whom the criminals picked as “likely victims” were usually the ones who had been victimized in the past. These people were often said to have “walked like an easy target” — slowly, unfocused, with short steps.

The sample size here is really small. Maybe we shouldn’t give this study’s findings too much weight. Nevertheless, it emphasizes something that seems pretty unconscious. Criminals aren’t looking for a challenge. Rather, they want someone timid and inattentive. So stride down the street like you own it. Your new, aggressive gait may scare off criminals. And even if this study turns out to be total bullshit, you’ll still get where you’re going a lot faster.

1. Why does the author mention the serial killer Ted Bundy?

A．To call on more people to learn psychology.

B．To prove that someone can be a natural criminal.

C．To demonstrate some skills to distinguish criminals.

D．To emphasize the importance of the right walking habit.

2. How did the researchers conduct their research on victim selection?

A．By analyzing crime data in various neighborhoods.

B．By filming people walking and getting criminals’ opinions.

C．By filming criminals as they selected their potential victims.

D．By studying the psychology of crime victims in a maximum-security prison.

3. According to the research which gait will most attract criminals’ attention?

A．Distracted walking with short steps.

B．Purposeful walking with slow steps.

C．Walking with a group of people cheerfully.

D．Walking with confident and exaggerated movements.

4. What’s the author’s attitude toward walking confidently and aggressively?

A．Favorable.

B．Doubtful.

C．Disapproving.

D．Indifferent.

4 . 阅读下面材料，在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或所给单词的正确形式。

Today, life as a teenager has changed greatly. The growth from childhood to adulthood is effortless for some, but difficult for others. There are many     1     (challenge) to face, decisions to make, and roads to take.

Being a teenager means we’re no longer a child     2     we’re not an adult either. We make great effort     3     (live) up to so many expectations from our friends, family members, and sometimes even our parents’ friends too.     4     (actual), in this stage of life, we’re expected to be responsible     5     something yet we’re not allowed to do just as much as adults can. All adults see us as children     6     are trying to be someone we can’t be just yet.

Many adults expect us to act just as they did, but they don’t understand that we     7     (raise) differently. Times have changed compared to 30 years ago when our parents were teenagers. Back then they     8     (have) more time away from phones, computers and TVs. They communicated face to face more. Nowadays we communicate online.

The best part of being a teenager is being able to find things at the click of a button(按钮). With the     9     (develop) of technology, today’s generation doesn’t struggle (挣扎) as much as they did 30 years ago. The new technology plays an important role in our lives. Teenagers nowadays are     10     (close) than ever. We can easily reach each other with a mobile phone or a computer.

5 . The local government of Zibo, East China’s Shandong Province, has issued two open letters in a short time to all citizens, extending its gratitude for their warmth and hospitality toward visitors who have come to enjoy the city’s signature barbecue, which has recently become a hit across the country. Such an unexpected success has shown the city’s spirit of unity and tenacity (坚毅), further boosting its tourism and economic development.

For a long time, Zibo was an average city in almost all aspects on the Chinese scale. However, since early March, Zibo local barbecue has caused a sensation (轰动) online. The little double-layer stove, small pancakes, green onions and sauce became icons among netizen. “Taking the high-speed train to taste barbecue in Zibo” miraculously became a trending hashtag (话题标签) for this non-traditional tourist city.

But how did Zibo rise to fame? This has not been some random coincidence.

First, it comes down to the city government’s ambition, determination and creativity. From July 2022 to February 2023, Zibo organized many trips to the city for university students. Despite reaching peak visitation numbers, there was no sense of panic. Instead, several supportive policies were promptly introduced, such as establishing a “Golden Stove Award”, forming a barbecue association, creating a map of Zibo barbecue restaurants, and launching 21 dedicated tourist routes that go beyond just barbecue. It also organized volunteers to guide tourists and appointed personnel to ensure public safety.

Second, Zibo’s sudden boom in popularity also resulted from the post-pandemic tourism revival China has experienced. The city aims to recover its tourism industry and ensure sustainable growth. To achieve this goal, it has created a welcoming environment with convenient services for young people, particularly university students. For instance, non-local students can enjoy three free stays per year at youth inns, each lasting two nights. The city has also invited students from distinguished universities to visit Zibo for free, signaling its eagerness to attract talented young individuals.

1. What is the purpose of the two open letters?

A．To express the city’s gratitude to its citizens.

B．To introduce the city’s impressive sights to tourists.

C．To specially promote the city’s signature barbecue.

D．To boost the city’s tourism and economic development.

2. What mainly contributes to Zibo’s rise to fame?

A．The city’s perfect location on the Chinese scale.

B．The city’s reputation as a traditional tourist city.

C．The government’s ambition, determination and creativity.

D．People’s desire for a taste of barbecue after the pandemic.

3. Why does the city invite students from famous universities to Zibo?

A．To offer part-time jobs for those students.

B．To encourage young people to be volunteers.

C．To provide students with chances to get practical knowledge.

D．To attract talented young people to work there after graduation.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards this sensation?

A．Unconcerned.

B．Supportive.

C．Doubtful.

D．Opposed.

7 . Most parents will remember their little ones grasping their leg or being unwilling to speak to someone new. But when does this stop being a natural part of a child’s growing up and become something to worry about?

Here, Heidi Gazelle, a senior lecturer in developmental psychology from the University of Melbourne, explains how shyness is of more concern if it is persistent rather than temporary.

Shyness with other children is of more concern than shyness with adults. It is common for children to be on the alert for adults, particularly men, but less common for children around their own age.

Children who engage in very little social interaction in comparison to children of their age are missing out on these important cumulative learning experiences. As a result, their social cognition, social skills and sense of self may be less mature than those of other children around their age.

Being excluded and bullied is damaging children’s emotional health and sense of self, especially when these conditions persist over time. Children need help from adults to stop exclusion and being bullied by other children. When parents become aware that their child is being excluded or bullied by other children at a childcare center or a school, they should contact the childcare center or school on their child’s behalf.

Shyness is of concern if it interferes with your child’s or family’s routines or activities, or if your child often appears miserable or complains of being lonely. For instance, if shyness prevents your child from attending other children’s birthday parties or school, or prevents your family from visiting friends, then you should consider seeking help from a child psychologist.

If a child is upset about a problem with a friend, parents can encourage the child to try to resolve the problem in a way that preserves the friendship, instead of ending the friendship, as well as encourage the child to develop other friendships.

1. What view does Heidi Gazelle hold with regards to shy children?

A．Persistent shyness is more worrying than temporary shyness.

B．Children’s shyness basically results from a disharmonious family.

C．They tend to have less shyness when meeting with unknown people.

D．It is more common for them to be alert when being with other children than adults.

2. In which aspects will shy children be less mature than other children of their age?
①Social skills.   ②Sense of self.   ③Overall intelligence.   ④Power of observation.   ⑤Social cognition.

A．①③⑤

B．②④⑤

C．②③④

D．①②⑤

3. How should parents respond when their child is excluded or bullied?

A．Consider transferring their child to another school or childcare center.

B．Get in touch with the childcare center or school.

C．Warn the children who bully their child.

D．Try to find his or her own faults.

4. When do parents need to care about their child’s shyness?

A．Their child often complains about being lonely.

B．Their child is always ready to visit their relatives.

C．Their child wants to change the family’s original plan.

D．Their child is willing to attend other children’s birthday parties.

8 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Digitalization,     1     is a main characteristic of the twenty first century, represents a transformation of society to a widespread use of digital technologies in various     2     (area) of life.

However, experts noted that too much social media use is known to have a negative influence     3     mental health. So they started a study to investigate how to improve mental health in this time of rapid digitalization.

The results of the study     4     (lead) by Dr. Julia Brailovskaia of the Mental Health Research and Treatment Center clearly showed that individuals who cut their social media use by 30 minutes a day     5     used this time for physical activity could     6     (significant) improve their mental health.

Participants who replaced 30 minutes of social media with exercise every day for two weeks     7     (have) powerful results. They reported feeling happier, more satisfied, less stressed and less depressed. The positive effects lasted for at least six months after the study had ended.

“This shows us how vital it is     8     (reduce) our availability online from time to time and to go back to our human roots,” said Dr. Brailovskaia. “These measures can be easily applied to people’s     9     (day) lives and they’re completely free and, at     10     same time, they help us to stay happy and healthy in the digital age.”

9 . Neurobiologist Nina Kraus found that musical training doesn’t just improve the ear form music — it also helps the ear for speech. The result was published in The Journal of Neuroscience.

Researchers have already found that kids who take music lessons for two years don’t just get better at playing music but also perform better at processing language. However, here’s something unusual about the new study where it took place. It wasn’t in her laboratory, but in the offices of Harmony Project in Los Angeles, a nonprofit after-school program that teaches music to children in low-income communities.

“Since 2008, 93 percent of the kids who went through the program have gone on to colleges like Dartmouth and NYU,” says Margaret Martin, founder of the project, “despite dropout rates of 50 percent or more in the neighborhoods where they live and wherer we intentionally site our programs.”

Martin knew that there were plenty of possible explanations for that success. Some of the kids and parents the program attracted were clearly more motivated. Perhaps more importantly, Harmony Project gave kids a place to go after the bell rang, and access to adults who challenged and loved them. Still, Martin suspected there was something else that was helping these kids, too.

When Kraus was contacted for a scientific explanation, she jumped at the chance to study the kids and their brains. Working with Harmony Project, Kraus randomly assigned several dozen kids from the program’s waitlist into two groups: those who would be studied after one year of music lessons and those who would be studied after two years. And what she found was that in the two-year kids, their brains got better — more precise — at processing speech.

Why the improvement?

“That’s because the two aren’t very different. They have three things in common — pitch, timing and timbre — and the brain uses the same part to make sense of them all,” Kraus explains. To be clear, the study has its limits. But third-grader Monica Miranda, who is in her third year with Harmony Project, doesn’t need proof. “When I do my homework and feel absent-minded, I usually start playing my violin to relax my mind,” she says.

1. What is unusual about Nina Kraus’s study?

A．It just concentrates on poor young adults.

B．It studies language and music side by side.

C．It is the first time to study homeless children.

D．It is not done in a precisely controlled environment.

2. Which statement will Margaret Martin probably agree with?

A．More varied programs should be provided for the kids.

B．It is too early to explain the students’ remarkable success.

C．Love and security are important for the Harmony Project kids.

D．Musical training has played a decisive role in the children’s success.

3. What does the underlined word “they” in paragraph 7 refer to?

A．Music and speech.

B．Pitch and timing.

C．The two groups of kids.

D．Kraus and Martin.

4. How does Monica Miranda say about playing music?

A．It keeps her more motivated.

B．It helps her concentrate more.

C．It improves her ears for speech.

D．It reduces her loneliness and anxiety.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题
1. Where did the truck come up?

A．York Road.

B．Union Street.

C．The bank building.

2. How fast was the car moving according to the man?

A．About 10 miles an hour.

B．About 30 miles an hour.

C．About 45 miles an hour.

3. What are the speakers talking about?

A．A film.

B．A race.

C．An accident.